Brightlingsea

Up to date 2023

Allow about 5h30m from SYH. HW-Harwich about 1700 to 1800 gives a leisurely start and the last of the Orwell ebb. Returning the next day is then not too early a start.

Brightlingsea Harbour & entrance & Chartlet & Height over Sill real-time

Video of entrance

Follow transit boards from B’Sea Spit SCM into channel 0.5m CD. These are really clear white boards with a red central bar. If you are not sure then you have the wrong marks. Before SCM find Spire on 041° and they are a bit lower to the left. The Cellular mast and the two pairs of white chimneys on the building below it can cause confusion and take you onto the mud to the right. There is a tide pole to the starboard side of the entrance showing depth in the creek but it is very hard to read.

There is a NCM grey post at the end of the pontoon at the marina entrance, this is where the harbour master (Channel 68) will meet to escort you to a floating pontoon berth or the marina. See the guide on waiting area, visitors and if no HM. The pontoons give more leeway on time (3.0m tide for 2.5m draught), and berth into tide (usually arrive on flood so need to turn) but need a tender.

The tide pole at the marina entrance clearly shows the depth over the sill (i.e. tide-1.0m) Real-time gauge here. The entrance is marked with a red PHM, turn when in line with the entrance and beware of strong cross tide in and out. The marina, sill 1.0m CD so needs 3.5m tide for comfort, maybe a drive straight in berth, port side to, or the berths to the left involve a sharp turn and are in the ‘West’ marina. Fenders at middle height. It may be best to turn the boat before tying up. Supposedly there is 2m in the marina but it’s probably only 1m with the rest being soft mud. Power is available and a good toilet block with four showers (controls incomprehensible) in the alley between blocks of flats. The office is behind the bus shelter. Codes needed for gates, shower block and WiFi.

If on the pontoons beware of turning in the trots and the limited depth of 1m CD at the end. Note that the water taxi only runs until early evening.

Indian in Tower Street is OK.

Coming out the transit boards are harder to pick up but following COG 221° from the Red and Green will get to the SCM safely in the possible morning fog.